The Devil In Disguise

Dark Tidings

The living room sparkled with holiday cheer, the scent of hot cocoa and pine drifting through the air as laughter filled the space. Gianina nestled closer to Marcus on the couch, his arm wrapped around her shoulders, a warm anchor in the cozy glow of Christmas lights. Despite the past months of anxiety and fear, tonight felt almost normal—almost like they were simply friends gathered for a holiday movie marathon, with no shadows lurking in the background.

Mary and Rufus sat snuggled up on the other couch, sharing a bowl of popcorn and exchanging playful whispers and smiles. Across from them, Cal lounged in an oversized armchair, his face carrying a faint smirk as he half-watched the movie. He was bundled up in a blanket, occasionally glancing over at the couples on the couches, an unreadable expression flickering across his face.

The first Santa Clause movie was almost halfway through, and Marcus chuckled, nudging Gianina. "Tim Allen's delivery here? Iconic. They don't make Christmas movies like this anymore."

Cal rolled his eyes, letting out an exaggerated groan. "Oh, come on. Am I the only one not charmed by a dad forced to put on a fat suit?"

Mary laughed, tossing a kernel of popcorn at him. "Oh, lighten up, Cal. It's Christmas!"

He made a dramatic show of ducking, then huddled under his blanket, pulling it up over his head like a turtle retreating into its shell. "Wake me up when something interesting happens," he mumbled, his voice muffled.

Marcus snorted, giving Gianina a nudge. "He's a lost cause."

She laughed softly, relaxing into Marcus's side, feeling the weight of the past few weeks slipping away, if only for a moment. Cal's muttering and Mary's laughter made it feel like they were back to being ordinary teenagers—no secrets, no threats, no fear. Cal eventually grew bored and rolled over with his head under his blanket. He had done that since he was a child to sleep according to his parents. Gianina giggled to herself quietly at how funny he looked.

The credits rolled on the first movie, and Rufus reached for the remote, putting on The Santa Clause 2. The group settled in, the movie's lighthearted opening scenes filling the room with warmth. Gianina leaned into Marcus, his arm tightening around her as he absentmindedly ran his fingers along her shoulder. She let herself drift, sinking into the comforting rhythm of his breathing, the warmth of his presence melting away her anxieties.

But then her phone vibrated against her leg, the sudden buzz shattering her peace. She hesitated, hoping it was just a random notification, but the unease in her gut told her otherwise. Reluctantly, she pulled her phone from her pocket, her heart sinking as she saw a new message from an unknown number.

Her fingers went cold as she opened it, her breath catching as she read the words.

Did you really think you could have a merry little Christmas without me, GG?

A chill ran down her spine. She glanced around the room, trying to keep her face neutral, to stop her friends from noticing her fear. She felt Marcus's arm still resting on her shoulder, grounding her, and she leaned into him, letting his warmth chase away the icy dread creeping through her.

With a shaky breath, she quickly typed a response.

Leave me alone.

The reply came almost immediately, each word dripping with sinister intent.

Now, now. Is that any way to speak to your admirer? Haven't you been a good girl this year? I've got something special planned just for you...

Gianina's hands shook, but she tried to keep her movements steady, forcing a smile as she shifted slightly, pretending to adjust her blanket. She couldn't let anyone see her like this, couldn't ruin their night with the darkness that shadowed her every step. She typed out another response, her fingers trembling.